Bhubaneswar, Nov 7: With Diwali just around the corner, firecracker markets across Bhubaneswar are witnessing a huge rush of customers. From peacock and tree-shaped crackers to bat-ball and butterfly varieties, colourful green crackers are attracting children and families.

Despite a significant increase in prices this year, customers are buying crackers in large quantities. According to traders, firecracker prices have increased by around 15 to 20 per cent compared to last year. However, the festive demand remains strong.

Temporary firecracker markets have been set up at several locations in the capital city, including Baramunda, Badagada, Unit-1, Nayapalli, Rasulgarh, Tamando and Damana. Several roadside stalls are also selling different varieties of crackers.

Also Read: Diwali 2026: What pushes firecracker prices up by 23–35% in Odisha?

Low-smoke crackers suitable for children are also available in the market. Firecracker trader Sukanta Kumar Sahu said prices of different branded crackers have increased by around 10 to 15 per cent this year, depending on the brand.

Green Crackers And Safety Guidelines

The Odisha State Pollution Control Board (OSPCB) has advised traders and consumers to use only approved green crackers. Buyers have been asked to check the green logo and QR code on cracker packages and purchase them only from authorised sellers.

People have also been advised against bursting crackers near slums, shops, buildings, roads and areas with heavy vehicular movement.

The Commissionerate Police and the State Pollution Control Board are keeping a close watch on temporary firecracker shops. Special teams have inspected outlets in Baramunda and other locations to check the types of crackers being sold and ensure compliance with noise regulations.

Strict Monitoring By Police And Pollution Control Board

The State Pollution Control Board has issued specific guidelines for bursting firecrackers during Diwali, keeping environmental protection and public safety in mind.

As per the guidelines, firecrackers can be burst only between 7 pm and 9 pm. People have been advised to avoid crackers that produce excessive noise. The noise level must not exceed the prescribed limit of 125 decibels.

Violations may invite legal action under the Odisha Fireworks and Loudspeakers (Control) Act, 1958, and the Noise Pollution (Regulation and Control) Rules, 2000.

Two Special Teams To Crack Down On Illegal Sales

The Commissionerate Police has formed two special teams to conduct raids against the illegal sale of firecrackers. The teams are being led by ACP Sarat Chandra Patra and ACP Mamata Nayak.

Each team includes an inspector, a sub-inspector, a junior assistant from the scientific team and an assistant station officer from the Fire Services Department.

One team will monitor firecracker shops under Capital, Kharavel Nagar, Lingaraj, Airport, Airfield, Dhauli, Laxmisagar and Badagada police station limits.

The second team will cover Jatani, Infocity, Infovalley, Khandagiri, Tamando, Mancheswar, Nayapalli, Saheed Nagar, Chandrasekharpur, Nandankanan, Chandaka, Pahala, Balianta and Balipatna areas.

3,937 Temporary Firecracker Shops Approved Across Odisha​​​​​​​

According to the Fire Services Department, a total of 5,043 applications were received across Odisha for setting up temporary firecracker shops this year. After verification and inspection, 3,937 fire safety certificates were issued.

In Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, 1,208 applications were received, of which 711 applicants were granted permission to open temporary shops.

The Fire Services Department has also urged people to follow safety precautions while bursting crackers. In case of any emergency or fire-related incident, people can immediately call the emergency helpline number 112.

442 Temporary Firecracker Shops In Bhubaneswar

A total of 442 temporary firecracker shops have been opened in the capital city. Jatani has the highest number of outlets at 121, followed by Khandagiri with 75.

The area-wise distribution is as follows:

- Jatani – 121 shops

- Khandagiri – 75 shops

- Balianta – 48 shops

- Chandrasekharpur – 46 shops

- Infovalley – 42 shops

- Mancheswar – 27 shops

- Badagada – 20 shops

- Nayapalli – 19 shops

- Pahala – 10 shops

- Tamando – 9 shops

- Airfield and Dhauli – 8 shops each

27 Platoons Of Police Force To Be Deployed

The Commissionerate Police has made elaborate security arrangements for Diwali. A total of 27 platoons of police force will be deployed across the city to maintain law and order.

Police personnel will be stationed at 14 selected traffic junctions, while one platoon of striking force will remain on standby at the Reserve Police Office.

Meanwhile, eight cases related to the illegal sale of firecrackers have been registered since October 20. Two cases were reported in Balianta, while one case each was registered under Airfield, Balipatna, Capital, Jatani, Nandankanan and Mancheswar police station limits.

Illegal firecrackers worth approximately Rs 15 lakh have been seized so far.

The authorities have stepped up surveillance to ensure a safe and environmentally responsible Diwali celebration across Bhubaneswar.